MDOT explains flashing yellow left-turn signal

[@AustinDickerson2001Tiger]

Solid red arrow - Drivers turning left must stop Solid yellow arrow - Warns you that the signal is about to turn red; be prepared to stop if you’re within the intersection. Or prepare to complete your turn if you’re in the intersection. Flashing yellow arrow -Turns are permitted, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Then, make your left turn. Oncoming traffic has a green light. Solid green arrow - Turn left. Oncoming traffic must stop.

[@Legoboyz21]

In a bunch of states, drivers may turn left on a solid red arrow as long as both intersecting streets are one-way. But in Michigan, Oregon, and Washington, drivers may turn left on a solid red arrow from a one-way or two-way street onto a one-way street carrying traffic with the left turn. However, drivers must stop and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, similar to a right turn on red, which is legal in all 50 states.

[@tamnunitv5804]

i'm reviewing for my written exam and driving lesson this week and i got puzzled with this flashing yellow arrow thing. Thank you! haha

[@InnerTurbulencia]

Thanks. As a European driver this is new to me, and no guides online highlight it as a difference to be aware of in the USA

[@iamjohnporter67]

These lights are all over in my state (Georgia) I was confused the first time seeing them but now I understand how they work.

[@chloesriblox4092]

Saw one of these for the first time on my drivers test. Had no idea which traffic had a green light so I didn’t know when it would be safe to go. This helped a lot!

[@MichiganDOT]

If you have a flashing yellow signal, then that means oncoming traffic has a green light and you must yield to them in all instances. Bottom line on a flashing yellow signal - Do not begin your turn until the intersection is clear. More info can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State Web site. Hope this helps.

[@timaamelinsios8862]

My road code says to wait in the intersection.

[@DougGrinbergs]

So simple and intuitive that they have to make videos to explain their brilliant invention. (:-(

[@D44rkFx]

My biggest problem with these lights is the fact that people are still going to run through the yellow on opposing traffic, while the flashing yellow left turn turns to red at the same time. On intersections I've encountered, this leaves left turn traffic stranded in the intersection when perpendicular traffic gets the green. It also forces people with protected lefts to wait for the intersection to clear. Please extend the duration of the yellow for the people attempting to turn left.

[@timaamelinsios8862]

There's no way I'm doing this.

[@richardhernandez7872]

this is the issue i faced today and I think I got a ticket for it

[@climatechangeisreal5073]

Exactly why i am here 🫠🫠😐😐 embarassingly stuck midway

[@rdiddyspace1708]

my car just got hit by a student driver because of the flashing yellow light. both my car and another adjacent car in another lane could not believe it that a person would try to gun it at yellow arrow traffic light intersection. we were the oncoming traffic with green lights. we had the right of way. I guess that person finally understood that cars aren't invincible. when they make that yellow arrow turn against oncoming traffic it endangers everyone at the intersection so it took 3 wrecked cars to teach that lesson to that student driver. yellow means SLOW down and drive with caution.

[@MichiganDOT]

The light does use the solid green when only the turn lane has the right of way. The flashing yellow light is used when the other lanes coming from the opposite direction of traffic has the right of way. If there is no oncoming traffic to yield to, then drivers turning left can go ahead. Eventually, the flashing yellow does change to a solid green so left-turning traffic gets their turn. Thanks for the question!

[@JenMarco]

It should be flashing red, not yellow. Yellow means it’s about to turn red and you have the right of way.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi there! Here's info direct from the Michigan Vehicle Code regarding flashing yellow traffic signals, as well as red. A flashing red requires a stop no matter if oncoming traffic is present or not. A flashing yellow requires yielding to oncoming traffic if present; if not present, no stop is required and traffic and turn left without stopping. MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT) Act 300 of 1949 257.614 Flashing red or yellow signals; violation as civil infraction. Sec. 614. (1) If flashing red or yellow signals are used, they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (a) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. (b) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution. (2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction. History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1978, Act 510, Eff. Aug. 1, 1979

[@garykreie7888]

As a pedestrian, I was nearly run over twice from folks turning left into my crosswalk. I had the walk sign AND a 3 second head start ahead of the parallel traffic turning green. But the yellow arrow starts flashing for the folks turning left immediately when my walk sign says walk. Shouldn't the flashing yellow also stay red for 3 seconds like the other red lights to give me my 3 second head start? Also, left turn drivers seemed to think if they had flashing yellow, pedestrians must have a don't walk. But no, we have a walk signal.

[@firealarmtechguy4444]

RIP to the "Doghouse" style left turn signals. I will miss them. but it's time to move on.

[@MydognamedMurphy]

Is this just the same? As a solid green light with no arrow.

[@daveteds]

No, the flashing yellow does NOT always turn green in Livonia! It absolutely flipped me out when an intersection that USUALLY does that instead went immediately to a solid yellow, then red. My husband has noticed this too. SERIOUS PROBLEM - I will be calling the City, and if it's the State's fault, then maybe the governor.

[@timaamelinsios8862]

Never mind, David. You can wait in the intersection.

[@danielrose1392]

Where is the issue switching from yellow to red? Sure there should be a sufficient buffer to clear the intersection before other traffic get's green, but otherwise I don't see an issue.

[@annwisniewski971]

We saw a solid yellow left turn light that turned immediately red in Ann Arbor yesterday.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Sam - the green arrow always stays solid.

[@djp1982]

In Saskatchewan, Canada where I live, a solid green means you still have to yield to oncoming traffic. A FLASHING green light, or arrow, means opposing traffic is facing a red light and you may proceed without stopping.

[@timaamelinsios8862]

djp1982, are you out of your minds? The solid green arrow means you can proceed without stopping.

[@007Environment]

The Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic signal is required in certain jurisdictions. Before traffic engineers invented the Flashing Yellow Arrow, in Michigan, what happens there is that at intersections that are not the major intersections, they have it set the way of which the red arrow flashes when the oncoming traffic is a green light, allowing motorists to turn after stopping and yielding. The Flashing Yellow Arrow replaces such, as it is more efficient.

[@timaamelinsios8862]

Andrew Wang, it's spelt like intersection.

[@garykreie7888]

Also, it is normal to turn on flashing yellow when the parallel lanes going the same direction are red for 3 seconds to give pedestrians a slight head start? That's what I see here.

[@emmebartlett3539]

I live in Texas and was wondering if there will ever be incoming traffic from the side road at an intersection while completing a left turn at a yellow flashing light and an unprotected green light. If not, then does oncoming traffic only come from the street across from you when having these yield lights? Oh and where exactly am I looking for pedestrians at? Thank you

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Emmee! In Michigan, drivers can turn right on a red light, unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted. Pedestrian cross walks at intersections with flashing yellow signals are the same as any other intersection; drivers are still required to yield to pedestrians.

[@ThePretzelHead]

Thank God for this. It was suicide waiting in those lanes as traffic was buzzing by you on the right, for one thing. Also the ambiquity of some interesctions having "left turn only on green arrow" and some without the sign.....anyway, this is a good change.

[@TheRichard9099]

The flashing left yellow arrow just turn on and the opposite intersect of oncoming traffic just turn green and the vehicle start moving. Then, I wait for there is no car left and i just turn left while on flashing yellow left arrow, and on my side of the intersect turn red. This is my side of the intersect: Flashing yellow left arrow; me turning left (⬅), red light(⬆⬆). Am i gonna be fine? State: AZ City: Glendale

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Richard, as long as there is no oncoming traffic in the opposite lanes, you should be all clear to turn left with the flashing left arrow showing.

[@Shareallicu]

Why not just make it a solid green? Same idea.

[@spacetime_wanderer]

if i am taking left and see a flashing yellow, and see no cars coming straight but a car (in opposite traffic) turning right, who has the right of way? lets assume there is only one lane per direction in the intended road both me and the other car are trying to go to.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Srinivas! Since that oncoming vehicle turning right has a green light, you would yield to them until they are clear and then proceed with your left turn (provided there are no other oncoming vehicles).

[@joeykulakowski902]

Are you allowed to go beyond the intersection line at flashing yellow and then stop waiting for an opening? Or do you have to always stay behind intersection lines and wait for a 100% open then commit to it with no stopping?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Joey! Drivers waiting to turn left at a flashing yellow arrow can indeed cautiously enter the intersection to make their left turn. However, continue to yield to any oncoming traffic that's present. Once it clears, proceed to complete your turn. Thanks for the question!

[@amandarivera5511]

How do you know when a flashing yellow is going to be turning red?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Amanda! The flashing yellow beacon switches to a solid yellow beacon, very similar to when a green signal turns to a yellow to alert drivers to the signal about to turn red.

[@AustinDickerson2001Tiger]

Back in the seventh grade, I got introduced to flashing yellow arrows.

[@landoctor94]

Congratulations

[@icyysugar3688]

So if the car in front of you also wants to turn left who has the right of way ?

[@MichiganDOT]

If you're referring to any oncoming traffic, you can both turn left on a solid green arrow. If you both have a flashing yellow, and there is no opposing through-traffic in either direction to yield to, you can both turn left.

[@icyysugar3688]

I’m talking about the car like in front of me the one who is on the other side of street who also wants to turn left

[@MichiganDOT]

Yup, that would be oncoming traffic. If you both have a green arrow, you may both proceed. If you both have a flashing yellow, you can both turn if there is no oncoming through-traffic to yield to.

[@icyysugar3688]

Ok thanks a lot !

[@Mobile_Gamer707]

So flashing left yellow arrow is just like a green left turn light but without the green arrow! Yield to oncoming traffic than proceed!

[@lindakincaid4530]

This video was done in 2010. The federal mandate was made in 2008. How come some towns are allowed to be non compliant to the federal mandate here in MI. We have at least two left turning lights that are still blinking red lights. no arrows.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Linda! MDOT has been replacing traffic signals with the flashing yellow phase as those old signals have aged out. Keep in mind that MDOT handles state roads only (I, M and US routes). What that means is if there is at least one state road in an intersection, then MDOT has jurisdiction over that signal. Local road agencies (usually the city or county) has jursidiction over local roads, including traffic signals at intersections of local roads.

[@NanaBoo1105]

@@MichiganDOT It's confusing if the city has jurisdiction over traffic signals at intersections. Seems the city and MDOT should be on one accord. Recently a Saginaw Township officer told a driver that a flashing yellow arrow meant "stop". The driver said if he issued a citation for turning left on a flashing yellow she'd take it to the court magistrate. He decided not to issue the ticket.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Teri! MDOT has no jurisdiction over law enforcement no matter what jurisdiction a road falls under.

[@007Environment]

More of this signal will start being seen gradually.

[@Subzer0theredstoner]

What if you have a blinking yellow arrow but the normal lights (the non arrow lights) are both red? I have seen this at a couple intersections in Georgia and I'm wondering if this is a fault in the lights as oncoming traffic in both these situations had red lights. If oncoming has red lights and you want people to turn, why not just make it green? Never had this problem with the old turn lights.

[@danielrose1392]

From my understanding the US traffic lights have the same meaning like the ones in germany I am used to. We sometimes have these flashing turn signals here as well. Most common reason is a pedestrian crossing which is still green or was green shortly before and you have to yield. A second reason are undersized intersections where opposing left turns could conflict, especially when a large vehicle is involved.

[@Nicholas3412]

SubZER0 it just means that one side is green and the other side is red. Probably because there's a green arrow on the other side for the people turning left there.

[@kwt2000trucker]

if making a turn, then you can turn when there is no oncoming traffic with that flashing yellow, but in that situation oncoming traffic has both the green arrow and the rest of the lights green, only turns are permitted if flashing arrows and no traffic is coming

[@javijimenez413]

Are you allowed to inch out in the intersection or do you have to be behind the line?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Javi! We recommend getting in touch with law enforcement for questions of that nature - just to be sure! :)

[@lindakincaid4530]

when I took drivers ed 35 years ago. You were allowed to pull into the intersection if there was no turning lane light and proceed to turn left when it was safe to do so. Often after the light is red because a lot of people still go though yellow lights. I would say if it is blinking yellow you should be able to proceed into the intersection, but not positive. Just remember never turn you wheel left before you're ready to turn. If someone rear ends you you do not want them to push you into oncoming traffic.

[@charlesmcshonay5901]

I moved to Texas and they threw me off coz in Alabama we would yield at a green light and it involved pulling forward and waiting and if you don't get a chance, turn while it's changing to red.

[@g.t.7362]

So... when there’s a blinking yellow for left (or green), that means that traffic on the left and right have red?

[@MichiganDOT]

Yes, cross traffic is stopped at a red light. If there is no oncoming traffic approaching from the opposite direction of your road during your flashing yellow signal phase, you may proceed with your left turn.

[@DaryxFox]

Wait... so it’s the same as a solid green normal light (not arrow)? Can you claim the intersection (complete your turn if the light turn red while you’re yielding to oncoming traffic), like a normal one?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi there! If the solid green left arrow is on, then left-turning traffic has the right of way and can proceed (oncoming traffic has a red light and must stop). If the flashing yellow arrow is on, then left-turning traffic has to yield to oncoming traffic coming through the intersection (which has a green light), if present. If there is no oncoming traffic, then drivers can make their left turn. When the solid left arrow is lit, then that is just like any other yellow light warning drivers that the light is about to turn red. If a driver turning left is in the intersection when the red arrow light turns on, they may complete their left turn when it is safe to do so. Hope this helps! Thanks for following MDOT.

[@MichiganDOT]

Very simple - cars turning left that have a yellow signal of any kind do not have the right of way to turn until all incoming traffic is clear. If you need further clarification on this law, please contact the Michigan State Police or the Michigan Secretary of State.

[@Geno2733]

Then why must a FLASHING signal be installed at taxpayers' expense if they both mean the SAME THING?

[@timaamelinsios8862]

MichiganDOT, am I allowed to wait in the intersection?

[@rapierlynx]

Geno2733, because they have been shown to cut left turn crashes by 20 to 50%.www.cmfclearinghouse.org/study_detail.cfm?stid=290www.cmfclearinghouse.org/detail.cfm?facid=7700#commentanchor

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

I first saw a bunch of these in Puerto rico. kind of confusing at first but makes sense.

[@Rahfrench]

Are you still allowed to pull half way into the intersection? As if it was a solid green?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Raeh! Yes, the video addresses that at about 1:10. When the flashing yellow or green arrow turns to a solid yellow, that means to either prepare to stop or complete your turn when traffic clears if you are within the intersection.

[@Rahfrench]

@@MichiganDOT Thank you!!!

[@green461]

You dont stop before the intersection at the STOP line. You pull INTO the intersection and wait there. If you wait at the stop line then when the light turns yellow getting ready to turn red you cant enter the intersection because entering an intersection upon a yellow light when you had adequate time to stop or were stopped is illegal. If you are already in the intersection which you should be, then the light changes you can complete your turn because you had started it before the light turned.. So many people dont know this and sit at the stop line the entire flashing yellow waiting for traffic and screw everyone else waiting behind because they keep getting stuck.

[@Geno2733]

I guess Left Turn YIELD on Green (O) Isn't simple enough....

[@MichiganDOT]

A left green arrow means that it is a protected left turn - opposing traffic must stop at a red light. The flashing yellow means a left turn is permitted if no opposing traffic is approaching the intersection, but remember that opposing traffic has a green light.

[@Ithinkiwill66]

Exactly...like most other cities has green, amber, and red "ball" lights, and flashing green ( that turns into a steady amber ) arrow. Anyone facing the green light must yeild to oncoming traffic/pedestrians in the intersection. Green arrow is the protected signal...oncoming traffic has the red.

[@skrivbok]

What I have never understood about the USA... why are there so few roundabouts? Sure, this is one way of doing it, but a roundabout offers a whole lot too. From what I've heard, most Americans have very little or no experience at all on how to drive a roundabout properly?

[@historicaldemo1871]

skrivbok I live in the USA and in my city there are like 4 roundabouts and everyone knows how to drive in them. I believe we don't have that many because we have a lot of people and most people today have cars so that means there is a lot of traffic and I don't think a roundabout would be able to accommodate the traffic.

[@kinkisharyocoasters]

one possible reason is that roundabouts take up more space

[@AymanAlhora-qd9iu]

My city's has ylid on flash but with 2 red light all& on cuzer I mikinny sometimes it on sometimes it off

[@Blinkpower11]

NO LEFT ON RED

[@chelseabrown5060]

Thank you so much!

[@stephenbinkley]

Flashing yellow has been around for years

[@AKCman35]

The first one was installed in Reno in 2003.

[@KingHuncho_]

Thank you so much

[@geraldinemcauthur3237]

Flashing Yellow Arrow In Laurinburg NC Fayetteville NC Gastonia NC

[@timaamelinsios8862]

I saw a flashing yellow arrow in Vancouver on Google Earth.

[@ingridbedinotti8387]

whos watching this for drivers ED?

[@oliviamou60]

SOLID YELLOW ARROW MEANS YOU SHOULD SLOW DOWN, NOT SPEED UP. FLASHINGGG YELLOW ARROW MEANS YOU SHULD YIELD TO VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS AND THEN TURN WITH CAUTION

[@alpine1600s]

"LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN." Was too difficult to understand. 🤦‍♂️ This is what happens when politicians run things.

[@judybrooks1556]

waste loftimke and money. UGH.